St. Francis Xavier Parish, Otisville at 212 Center Street, Otisville, MI 48463-9706 US - Knitted Shawls Go To Phoenix

Knitting into the Mystery endeavor has taken a new turn. Last October the parish group of knitters/crotchetiers was featured in the Faith Magazine with photos of the group making shawls to be given to individuals who would benefit from a connection with other parishioners. In December we received a phone call from the Diocese of Phoenix asking if we would be willing to share some of these shawls with children who have been diagnosed with cancer.  We responded immediately with twelve brightly colored shawls.

The shawls were given to Cancer Ministry: Healing through the Body of Christ. This is an outreach program of the Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona in partnership with The American Cancer Society.  Their goal is to provide hope, emotional and spiritual support and resources to anyone affected with this diagnosis. Our prayer shawls fit the type of support that corresponds to their goals.  Each shawl given out is accompanied with a promise of prayer.

Another opportunity that was given to our group was by Franciscan Radio (American Catholic Radio). A Radio spot was created and aired on American Catholic Radio, December 18, 2006. The group was interviewed one Tuesday when the ministry group met. Judy Zarich interviewed us by telephone.  She had read the Faith Magazine article and felt that Catholic Radio listeners would be interested in hearing how Knitting could produce a mystery a bond forms between knitters and between knitters and those for whom the shawl was made. This bond is a type of mystery; a mystery of relationship building.

The small book entitled: Knitting Into the Mystery produced one finally response. Sister Elaine, the pastoral coordinator for St. Francis Xavier parish, received multiple notes and e-mails referring to the article. These responses were comments on how relaxing knitting was for them, or how marvelous that women in the parish could reach out to so many people that were unknown to them before.

The small group of women meeting bimonthly in the basement of the parish house has become more than just knitters. A mystery has opened up through the wide spread news of this simple craft and it effects of bonding.